Sony has been catching a ton of shit lately for its failed PS3 hyping- LittleBigPlanet, Resistance: Fall of Man, and Warhawk, among others, have been getting crazy press for their own takes on their respective genres, but the sales have done nothing to reflect the quality. Nintendo hasn't even put out a post-Thanksgiving Nintendo franchise game like Mario or Zelda for the Wii. Everyone is absolutely in love with the Xbox360 and all its fucking majesticness- yet the fact that it had a 67% FAILURE rate for its launch year has somehow not phased people. I know many of my friends are on their second, third, or even fourth 360 since they adopted the console a Xmas or two ago.
That said, the PS Network is looking up. The PS3 is getting some great games in the coming year, the library of DLG/DLC on the PlayStationNetwork is growing rapidly, and interconnectivity between the PS3/P is getting more useful every day. I recently began using the PSN Store, much like the 360's Marketplace, and finding some great gems hidden amongst the library of good DLGs. For one thing, the PSN allows users to download PS1 classics, for those of us who grew up playing not Mario or Zelda, but Crash Bandicoot, Twisted Metal, and Spyro the Dragon. That library is getting more expansive every week and month. The games return in all their former glory, and most are playable on the PS3 OR THE PSP. Portable Crash? I have two, and at $6.99 apiece, I'd say thats a great deal.
The orginal content is even more exciting. Games under $10 like echochrome, a game full of puzzles inspired by the works of M.C. Escher, is intensly entertaining and offers a $5 expansion featuring hundreds of different user-created puzzles (a feature in the game). With nearly 60 fun and challenging puzzles in the game itself, it makes for a great single or multiplayer experience. Beats, a $4.99 game from Sony Europe, is a portable rythym game based on titles like Guitar Hero, Rock Band, and DDR. 2 things seperate it from these titles: it needs no expensive peripherals to play, and it uses the music you already have. That's right, you add music to your PSP, select the track from the in-game menu, and it generates a challenge BASED ON THE SONG. Playing a speed metal track- get 30-note strings with rapid changes to different notes and areas on screen. Funk- weird transitions and breakdowns.
All that is well and good, but what about the PS3 owners who want a 30, 40, or 50 hour game and are not concerned about cost? We're fucked for exclusives! The best one we have is MGS4, and that only lasts as long as you want it to! Resistance was fun, but it got overshadowed by Gears of War for 360. Warhawk was online-only, and no story mode. GTA IV- no DLC even announced for us yet. What's a guy to do?
OH wait, that's right, wait for God of War III, due out soon next year. HD bloodshed like no one else can do bloodshed. Or how about inFamous? Coming out of SuckerPunch Studios (of Sly Cooper fame) it tells the story of a morally ambiguous character named Cole (before you skeet your collective selves, he's white and NOT voiced by "Terrible" Terry Tate) who gains developing superpowers based around electricity after an explosion rocks New York City. In the same vein as Fable and Elder Scrolls IV, your actions determine your social standing and public opinion- as well as publishers having hinted that the more brutal you are, the more violent your powers are; thus, the more evil you become, the more difficult it is to reverse. While it's not a PS exclusive, Brutal Legend shows the most- well, fuck hyping this game again, even though it deserves it. Read my last post.
The PS3 is looking up in the coming year and if it can get some big name titles under it's belt SOON, it might begin working it's way out of the 3rd place hole it has dug itself into. Stop hyping "1080p support and Blu-Ray capability" Sony- start pushing the "Our games kick ass" creed you have always done so well. If you aren't off your high horse yet, you better start dismounting soon or the 360 will push you guys the way of Sega- making occasionally noteworthy games for other people's consoles. Don't fuck around in '09, guys- we still believe in you, but you need to step it up. You should realize now you aren't invincible, and that now YOU are the late one to the party- you need to play catch up this time, not Microsoft, not Nintendo.
***UPDATE*** One of the lesser known gripes PS3 owners had is the inability to view flash videos outside of YouTube. That means Cracked.com, Metacafe, Dailymotion, and Break were all lacking video support. However, that has been fixed with a recent update allowing users to view flash videos from almost every known FLV source. Cool as hell, in my opinion.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Fucking 2/3rds Rule.
Since Brad and Jake both posted, figure I might as well. I must warn you, It's not going to be Jake's super-sentimental post, nor will it be Brad's dreamscape post. I want to talk to you about Brutal Legend, the most awesome game ever. I gotta get this out of my system and fast.
Brutal Legend tells the story of Eddie Riggs, a roadie, who's belt buckle transports him back to the Age of Rock, a time ruled by Heavy Metal. Eddie, voiced by Jack Black, sets out on a quest to defeat the scourge of the land- various enemies voiced by the likes of Rob Halford and Lemmy- and become a Rock God. At his aid are his axe, his actual axe, and a roadster built from parts he finds across his new home. This, along with a troupe of monsters at his disposal, will be his only defense against the likes of General Lionwhyte (who's mane of hair is so glorious it actually allows him to fly).
Why am I so pumped for this game? A few reasons. The underground hit Psychonauts may ring a bell for some, and those that know it love it. Tim Schaffer, the genius behind it, is writing, producing, and overseeing this project. 2 points. It's a game centered specifically around heavy metal. 3 points. It features voiceovers from Halford, Lemmy, JB, and Dio. 18 points. This is their trailer. 100,000 points of pure unbridled win.
The cone of silence, please.
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH YEAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Knowing the rave reviews Psychonauts got, Brutal Legend is sure to please. Plus, with tracks like "Mob Rules", "Screaming for Vengeance", and "The Hellion/Electric Eye" already confirmed (and more certainly on the way), this has a better soundtrack than the original Guitar Hero- a hard act to follow.
Brutal Legend tells the story of Eddie Riggs, a roadie, who's belt buckle transports him back to the Age of Rock, a time ruled by Heavy Metal. Eddie, voiced by Jack Black, sets out on a quest to defeat the scourge of the land- various enemies voiced by the likes of Rob Halford and Lemmy- and become a Rock God. At his aid are his axe, his actual axe, and a roadster built from parts he finds across his new home. This, along with a troupe of monsters at his disposal, will be his only defense against the likes of General Lionwhyte (who's mane of hair is so glorious it actually allows him to fly).
Why am I so pumped for this game? A few reasons. The underground hit Psychonauts may ring a bell for some, and those that know it love it. Tim Schaffer, the genius behind it, is writing, producing, and overseeing this project. 2 points. It's a game centered specifically around heavy metal. 3 points. It features voiceovers from Halford, Lemmy, JB, and Dio. 18 points. This is their trailer. 100,000 points of pure unbridled win.
The cone of silence, please.
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH YEAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Knowing the rave reviews Psychonauts got, Brutal Legend is sure to please. Plus, with tracks like "Mob Rules", "Screaming for Vengeance", and "The Hellion/Electric Eye" already confirmed (and more certainly on the way), this has a better soundtrack than the original Guitar Hero- a hard act to follow.
Monday, December 1, 2008
HTZ's Best of '08
So, I just got done reading my buddy Brad's yearly wrapup for his own favorite music and figured, what the hell, why not? 2008 was a great year for Metalheads everywhere: we see the long-awaited reunion of old-school Testament, a new Judas Priest album, and quite possibly the single greatest tour ever comprised- the Metal Masters Tour.
Testament: The Formation of Damnation
Let me start off by saying that, above ALL other Thrash bands (including Megadeth- sorry, Brad) I love Testament. So to see that they were releasing their first new material in 10 years was awesome, to say the least. Chuck Billy has recovered from his bout with cancer, Alex Skolnick has returned to lead guitar duties, and warming their revolving-door drum stool is Paul Bostaph (ex-Slayer). All in all, a great lineup, and the album delivers. Combining Billy's 80's thrash vocals and 90's death growls, the album flows as well as any other Testament album ever has, and rocks just as hard.
The Haunted: Versus
For those that don't know, the Haunted spawned out of legendary Swedish MDM band At The Gates, as a project of the bands' brothers/guitarists/songwriters. While their early releases like The Haunted Made Me Do It were geared toward MDM again, Versus has the band taking itself in a new, more Thrashcore direction. An excellent album, no less. It rocks like any other Haunted album, but with a stlye more akin to Shadows Fall.
Amon Amarth: Twilight of the Thunder God
Music is as epic as the cover. Simple as that.
Scar Symmetry: Holgraphic Universe
Though the album has gotten mediocre reviews, it genuinely suprised me. MDM, but adding much more of a sci-fi feel to it. Kind of like listening to Rush, except Geddy decided halfway through the recording that he wanted to do death metal for a while.
Judas Priest: Nostradamus
Jake, I know you'll hate me for this, but... I can't stand to listen to the new Priest album. This was the last album I purchased, and was not only disappointed but angry too. People were absolutely in love with this album and, while the concept is good, the music is terrible and completely un-Priestly. No standout riffs, no mind-blowing vocal performances, and no killer drumming- while I didn't expect another British Steel or Painkiller, I certainly didn't expect Turbo, Pt.II.
Children of Bodom: Blooddrunk
Disappointing, but a step up from 2005's "Are You Dead Yet?". Not the sheer technique one expects from Alexi and crew, but not the brutality from AYDY? either. All in all an average record for Bodom- which is still great compared to others.
Lamb of God: Walk With Me in Hell (Live DVD/ Tour Documentary)
Any of my friends will tell you that, as of the last week or so I've been pretty much obsessed with this band. And rightfully so, as they kick enough ass to headline any tour you can name, any festival you can name, hell-they should probably perform every soundtrack for every movie ever while they're at it. This DVD chronicles the band's tour cycle for 2006's Sacrament, an absolute mindfuck of an album. With the music video for their first single Redneck, a "making Of" special for the album, AND the full 2007 Download performance, this movie clocks in around 4 hours- and it will be a very good 4 hours for you.
Metal Masters: Summer Tour 2008
If I were to tell you that Dio was getting back together with his-era Sabbath and doing a US tour, would you be excited? What about if Judas Priest, hot off the release of their first new album with Rob Halford in 18 YEARS were touring as well? Motorhead too? Thrash legends Testament, new;y reformed with Alex Skolnick back on lead guitar were hitting the road TOO? This year is gonna be awesome for heavy metal! But, what about dates conflicting- one band in Philly the same night as another in Cleveland? Damn. Oh, wait- THEY'RE TOURING TOGETHER. BEST. SUMMER. EVER.
That about wraps it up, though I will say this- if, for some holy purpose, Demons & Wizards were to, say, team up with Lamb of God, there would be a trail of blood and abortions between my house and every single one of their shows.
Testament: The Formation of Damnation
Let me start off by saying that, above ALL other Thrash bands (including Megadeth- sorry, Brad) I love Testament. So to see that they were releasing their first new material in 10 years was awesome, to say the least. Chuck Billy has recovered from his bout with cancer, Alex Skolnick has returned to lead guitar duties, and warming their revolving-door drum stool is Paul Bostaph (ex-Slayer). All in all, a great lineup, and the album delivers. Combining Billy's 80's thrash vocals and 90's death growls, the album flows as well as any other Testament album ever has, and rocks just as hard.
The Haunted: Versus
For those that don't know, the Haunted spawned out of legendary Swedish MDM band At The Gates, as a project of the bands' brothers/guitarists/songwriters. While their early releases like The Haunted Made Me Do It were geared toward MDM again, Versus has the band taking itself in a new, more Thrashcore direction. An excellent album, no less. It rocks like any other Haunted album, but with a stlye more akin to Shadows Fall.
Amon Amarth: Twilight of the Thunder God
Music is as epic as the cover. Simple as that.
Scar Symmetry: Holgraphic Universe
Though the album has gotten mediocre reviews, it genuinely suprised me. MDM, but adding much more of a sci-fi feel to it. Kind of like listening to Rush, except Geddy decided halfway through the recording that he wanted to do death metal for a while.
Judas Priest: Nostradamus
Jake, I know you'll hate me for this, but... I can't stand to listen to the new Priest album. This was the last album I purchased, and was not only disappointed but angry too. People were absolutely in love with this album and, while the concept is good, the music is terrible and completely un-Priestly. No standout riffs, no mind-blowing vocal performances, and no killer drumming- while I didn't expect another British Steel or Painkiller, I certainly didn't expect Turbo, Pt.II.
Children of Bodom: Blooddrunk
Disappointing, but a step up from 2005's "Are You Dead Yet?". Not the sheer technique one expects from Alexi and crew, but not the brutality from AYDY? either. All in all an average record for Bodom- which is still great compared to others.
Lamb of God: Walk With Me in Hell (Live DVD/ Tour Documentary)
Any of my friends will tell you that, as of the last week or so I've been pretty much obsessed with this band. And rightfully so, as they kick enough ass to headline any tour you can name, any festival you can name, hell-they should probably perform every soundtrack for every movie ever while they're at it. This DVD chronicles the band's tour cycle for 2006's Sacrament, an absolute mindfuck of an album. With the music video for their first single Redneck, a "making Of" special for the album, AND the full 2007 Download performance, this movie clocks in around 4 hours- and it will be a very good 4 hours for you.
Metal Masters: Summer Tour 2008
If I were to tell you that Dio was getting back together with his-era Sabbath and doing a US tour, would you be excited? What about if Judas Priest, hot off the release of their first new album with Rob Halford in 18 YEARS were touring as well? Motorhead too? Thrash legends Testament, new;y reformed with Alex Skolnick back on lead guitar were hitting the road TOO? This year is gonna be awesome for heavy metal! But, what about dates conflicting- one band in Philly the same night as another in Cleveland? Damn. Oh, wait- THEY'RE TOURING TOGETHER. BEST. SUMMER. EVER.
That about wraps it up, though I will say this- if, for some holy purpose, Demons & Wizards were to, say, team up with Lamb of God, there would be a trail of blood and abortions between my house and every single one of their shows.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)